[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All animal parents know that one day our beloved fur babies will have to leave us and we will have to say good-bye. It is that time in our animals’ lives that creates that inner devastation that makes us do everything we can to delay it. People have often asked ‘Why can’t our animal’s lifespan match ours? Why can’t we enter the afterlife together at the end?’ We unfortunately will out live our loved animal companions majority of the time. More often than not we have to make the dreaded decision of when to say good-bye on behalf of our animals. How do you know when it is time? How do you know you did the right thing by your best friend? Thankfully, through using animal communication we can ask the animal themselves when they are ready to pass on to the other side. So we can get this right.
Euthanasia cases are a big part of my consulting business. I have the privilege and the responsibility of being the voice for these animals and forging the connection between them and their people. Whilst it is a very emotional time for you and for your animal, it is the most self-less and honourable decision you can make for your animal friend. If the animal is in serious health or suffering with symptoms of old age with no quality of life, we can ask them if they wish to continue fighting for their life or if they are ready to move on. It takes the pressure off you and allows your animal companion to make their own choice. It will give you peace of mind; and your animal is able to make an easy and peaceful transition. It also gives your animal reassurance that you will be ok when they are no longer around, as you have both been involved in this process.
Naturally, people love their animals more than anything in this world. When they come to me for their consult, they will often say ‘I just want to do what is best for them.’ As was the case for Rebecca and her family with their gorgeous black cat named George. George was 18 years old, and had been suffering renal failure for several years. George had stopped eating all of a sudden for two days, so Rebecca took him straight to the vet. After a few tests, they found a large abscess in his bottom left jaw. The heart stopping diagnosis of cancer. The vet said that they can try chemotherapy but George may need to eat through a tube for the rest of his days if he survives. Rebecca was uncomfortable with putting George through all this, so she consulted me. George was very clear that he did not want the treatment, and when he was ready he would let us know when it was time for assistance if need be. Rebecca found the news difficult to take, but she had a feeling George was going to say that.
A few days later, I had a strong feeling from George that he was preparing for the transition. I called Rebecca to inform her, and sure enough she said that George wasn’t looking too good. After connecting with George I explained to Rebecca she would need to call out a vet to her home the next day. Yes it was time to help George on his journey to the other side. He said as many do “I am tired and want to go home. A couple of weeks later, Rebecca emailed me to thank me for helping make George’s transition a loving and peaceful experience. She told me they had spent the morning together sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and the freshness of the grass. The vet performed the procedure underneath George’s favourite tree. Whilst it was still very raw and painful for Rebecca, she was grateful and content that she could give her best friend what he wanted. Isn’t that what we all want for our beloved animals?
Often I have clients that have been told by the vet that there is no other option other than euthanasia. Sometimes the case isn’t crystal clear, and the animal simply isn’t ready to go. As was the case with my friend Max and his Saluki dog Ghareeba (Gibby). Gibby had a serious blood disease whereby she wasn’t making red blood cells and her immune system had shut down. The vets had tried some treatment but it didn’t work and said that she had only three days of red blood cells left. The kindest thing to do would be to have her put down. She was only four years old. Max was devastated and came to me asking what did Gibby want him to do. As soon as I connected in with Gibby, she said she “Please don’t let them put me down, look for a cure, there is one.” She was terrified at the thought her life would end prematurely. Determined, Max frantically took her to several different vets to find a treatment, and each time was met with the same verdict: it was best to put her down. Max would not give up on Gibby and pushed on to find treatment with a holistic vet. This vet prescribed Chinese herbs and a homemade bone broth to be given several times a day. She was also given other natural supplements. This would help increase her immune system and give the herbs time to work. They both knew it was a long shot, but Max pursued it. Gibby’s health slowly improved and she lived on for another 5 wonderful years.
Sometimes animals do not wish to go via euthanasia. They would rather go naturally – usually in their sleep or they disappear to their favourite tree or spot around the home. This can be extremely difficult option for some people, as we do not want our animals to suffer and it can sometimes be a grisly process to watch your animal go through as the spirit leaves the physical body. As was the case for a client named Michael and his family with their 16-year-old Jack Russell dog named Bella.
Bella did not have any serious conditions; she was going through old age and had started coughing in the evening. Michael had her checked by the vet, and they said her body would slowly shut down due to her age, and to expect these sorts of conditions to worsen. Michael looked down at Bella and just knew that she was getting ready to say good-bye. Michael did not want to make the wrong choice, so he contacted me for a consult. I spoke with Bella, and Michael’s instincts were right. However, Bella had emphasised that she wished to go naturally, without any assistance. Michael said it was difficult but he would try to follow what Bella wanted. A week later, Bella had stopped eating and her coughing was getting worse. Michael contacted me again to see if Bella had changed her mind. Bella still wished to go naturally, but understood if Michael could not handle it, she would take assistance. A few days later, Michael emailed me to let me know that Bella had passed in her sleep in the early hours of the morning. He said to me that he had tried to book the vet twice to come out and give euthanasia, however the first time the phone number would not ring through and the second time the vet had to cancel due to an emergency. Michael said, when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be!
What if you feel you just can’t let go of your friend? Our animals have been our friend, our guide, our family and constant companions for their entire lives. They have brought us so much happiness, joy, and wisdom. They have enhanced our lives and shown us what it truly means to be loved unconditionally. Whilst it is devastating for us to say farewell, we must be able to put aside our own desires and be there for them during this significant time. They need to make their own choices about their life and how they wish it to end. I believe it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to honour their wishes as they complete this lifetime with us and go back home to the afterlife. They certainly deserve all our love, devotion and support.
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